HIGHLIGHTS-EBRD annual meeting in Ukraine

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development elected Thomas Mirow as its new president on Monday at its annual meeting where shareholders agreed to consider expanding lending to include Turkey.

To read stories from the May 18-19 meeting click on [ID:L18651543]

Following are comments from key speakers:

NEW EBRD PRESIDENT AND GERMAN DEPUTY FINANCE MINISTER, THOMAS MIROW

On Eastern Europe:

"After a period of rapid growth, the question of sustainability is at stake, and the dangers of inflation in some (eastern European) countries are even more significant than in other parts of the world."

On the EBRD's future:

"In a situation of turmoil, a bank like the EBRD adds value because it is very solid, it has a high level of political trust, it can furnish what markets need most, which is confidence and trust".

On Turkey:

"The Bank's activities in Turkey must not detract from the performance of its tasks in the current countries of operations".

OUTGOING EBRD PRESIDENT, JEAN LEMIERRE

On EBRD's future:

"There is no concern about (the EBRD's future). It's a clear roadmap"

"The bank is good because the bank is focused. I think Turkey will not distract the bank from delivering on its madate."